Door Holster for a Gun

ABSTRACT

A door mounting apparatus for securing a firearm to a door. The door mounting apparatus may be used to secure any type of handgun to an interior side of a door near the top out of the reach of children. The door mounting apparatus comprises a door attachment component and a reversible holster. The door attachment component hooks over the top of the door and uses a hook and loop fastening system to attach the reversible holster to the door attachment component. The reversible holster has a hook and loop fastening system on both sides so that the firearm may be stored in a left-handed or right-handed orientation. A quick release component holds the firearm within the reversible holster until needed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/043,639, which was filed on Jun. 24, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to a device for securely storing a gun by a door, and more specifically to a new and improved door-mounted weapon holster capable of storing a firearm on a door. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

Firearm owners may be unable to easily and safely store their firearms close to a door to meet unauthorized visitors. Safely storing a firearm typically requires a gun safe or other similar secure storage unit that is often unable to be installed near a door. Being unable to quickly defend a home in the event of a break-in can lead to serious injury or death. Alternatively, the gun owner may temporarily leave the firearm out in the open. Unfortunately, this option could lead to accidental usage by children and others untrained in firearms.

The vast majority of lawful gun owners never use their firearms for unlawful purposes. In fact, many individuals own guns primarily for self-protection. People are much more likely to use firearms for self-defense purposes if they are readily accessible when needed. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted in a 2013 report, almost all national studies of defensive gun uses have found that firearms are used in self-defense between 500,000 and 3 million times every year in the United States.

A home invasion is a crime where an unauthorized individual attempts pts to force themselves into an occupied home, apartment, or other residence to commit a robbery or other crime. Home invasions particularly frightening because they violate a person's private residential space where they have an expectation of safety and privacy. The most common point of attack is through the front door. In contrast to burglaries, home invasions occurs more often at night or weekends when people are more likely to be home. A home invasion targets the resident, as well as the dwelling. If a home invader can be slowed at the point of entry, people have a chance of deterring the invader from entering the residence or having enough time to call the police. For many gun owners having a gun gives them at least a fighting chance in the event that a burglar or home invader attempts to or manages to get into the home.

Safe gun storage refers to practices that limit accessibility to guns by unauthorized users, including minors such as children in the home. These practices can include locking guns in a secure place such as a gun safe or cabinet or using safety devices such as trigger or cable locks. Studies have shown that unintended shootings are more frequent if guns are not properly secured. Many gun-owning parents or guardians take precautions to keep their children from finding and handling the family's firearms. However, despite these efforts, children sometimes handle guns in the home without their parents' knowledge. However, securing a firearm to protect against this unintended use by children can lead to the danger that the firearm is not readily available in the event of an emergency.

In this manner, the improved door holster of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution safely keep a gun by a door. A primary feature of the present invention is the ability to mount a handgun to any door out of the reach of children. Finally, the improved door mount holster of the present invention is capable of safely positioning a weapon by a door for self-defense where it is most needed in the event of a home invasion or to deter a potential intruder.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a door mounting apparatus. The door mounting apparatus is configured to retain and mount a firearm securely to an inside surface of a door. The door mounting apparatus comprises a door attachment component and a holster. The door attachment component comprises an interior bar and a hook component. The hook component is configured to hook over the top of the door and is held in place via an external hook portion extending downward from a top of the door spanning portion. A hook protective element attached to a door facing side of the external hook portion protects an outside surface of the door from damage.

The interior bar extends downward from the top of the door spanning portion of the hook component along an inside surface of the door. The interior bar comprises a door facing side and a room facing side. An interior bar protective element is attached to the door facing side of the interior bar and protects an inside surface of the door from damage. An attachment element is attached or secured to the room facing side and is configured to engage the holster.

The holster is a reversible holster configured to retain the firearm in either a left-handed or a right-handed orientation. The reversible holster is generally rectangular and comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface. The reversible holster is foldable along a midline in the interior surface to form a pocket for retaining the firearm. Once folded, the reversible holster may be at least partially enclosed by a closure element positioned along at least a portion of a perimeter of the interior surface. The reversible holster may further comprise an inside pocket attached to the inside surface, or an exterior pocket attached to the exterior surface for retaining a clip of ammunition.

The reversible holster further comprises a pair of attachment elements. The pair of attachment elements are attached to the exterior surface, one on each side of the pocket. Each of the pair of attachment elements are configured to mate with the attachment element of the door attachment component. When the firearm is positioned within the pocket of the reversible holster, the corresponding one of the pair of attachment elements engages the attachment element of the door attachment component so that the firearm is secured to the door in either the left-handed or the right-handed orientation as desired.

The door mounting apparatus further comprises a quick release component. The quick release component comprises a strap and a pair of connecting elements. Once the firearm is in place within the pocket of the reversible holster, the pair of connecting elements engage a handle end of the reversible holster to retain the firearm in a hanging position. When the firearm is needed, one of the pair of connecting elements is disengaged, releasing the firearm to the user while the reversible holster remains attached to the door attachment component.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a door mounting apparatus of the present invention retaining a firearm in a right-handed orientation in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the door mounting apparatus of the present invention retaining the firearm in a left-handed orientation in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a door attachment component and a reversible holster of the door mounting apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a close up view of the door attachment component and the reversible holster of the door mounting apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the door attachment component of the present invention engaging a door in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the door attachment component of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7 illustrates an overhead view of an interior surface of the reversible holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 8 illustrates an overhead view of an interior surface of the reversible holder of the present invention with the firearm positioned on top in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9 illustrates an overhead view of an inside pocket attached to the interior surface of the reversible holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the reversible holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an exterior pocket attached to an exterior surface of the reversible holder of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment provides homeowners with a door-mounted weapon holster capable of storing a firearm on the door for immediate protection against unauthorized visitors. The door-mounted weapon holster features a rubber-lined bracket that overhangs the door and protects the door finish while supporting a firearm. The invention may also include a hook and loop outer surface on the holster that matches with a pair of hook and loop portions on the holster to position it in several orientations to accommodate right- and left-handed users. The invention ensures that a firearm is able to be stored close by if a stranger knocks at the door at an unexpected time.

The invention allows a modified firearm holster to be mounted onto a door. The holster is supported via a rubber-lined bracket hung from the top left or top right side of the door. The holster can be reversed to accommodate both left- and right-handed users. The metal mounting bracket can be comprised of an approximately ten pound test hook and loop outer surface that matches with hook and loop fasteners on the holster. Users can place the bracket on the door, installed via an approximately one inch lip that allows the bracket to overhang the door. The rubber lining helps prevent damage to the door. Users can then mate the hook and loop fasteners on the holster with the bracket to secure the holster onto the bracket. A firearm can then be placed in the holster, keeping it near the door. Users can easily access the firearm if needed to prevent unauthorized entry. Exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary upon further development and manufacturing.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a door mounting apparatus 100 of the present invention retaining a firearm 10 in a right-handed orientation. The door mounting apparatus 100 is configured to retain and mount the firearm 10 securely to an inside surface 22 of a door 20. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the door mounting apparatus 100 comprises a door attachment component 102 and a holster 130.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the door attachment component 102 comprises an interior bar 104 and a hook component 114. Both the interior bar 104 and the hook component 114 are typically manufactured from a rigid material, such as thin metal strapping or molded plastic and is thin enough not to impede closure of the door. The hook component 114 comprises a top of the door spanning portion 116 and an external hook portion 118. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the hook component 114 is configured to hook over the top 24 of the door 20 and is held in place via the external hook portion 118 extending generally downward from the top of the door spanning portion 116. The external hook portion 118 comprises a door facing side 120 and a hook protective element 122. The hook protective element 122 is typically a pad, rubber bumper, cushion, or the like that is attached or adhered to the door facing side 120 and protects an outside surface 26 of the door 20 from damage.

The interior bar 104 is longer than the external hook portion 118 and extends generally downward from the top of the door spanning portion 116 of the hook component 114 along the inside surface 22 of the door 20. The interior bar 104 comprises a door facing side 106 and a room facing side 110. The interior bar 104 further comprises an interior bar protective element 108. The interior bar protective element 108 is typically a pad, rubber bumper, cushion, or the like, similar to the hook protective element 122 that is attached or adhered to the door facing side 106 of the interior bar 104 and protects the inside surface 22 of the door 20 from damage.

The interior bar 104 further comprises an attachment element 112. The attachment element 112 is attached to, adhered, or otherwise secured to the room facing side 112. The attachment element 112 is configured to engage the holster 130. The attachment element 112 may be a hook and loop fastener, such as a strip of Velcro® extending along at least a portion of its length. The attachment element 112 may alternatively be magnetic. The attachment element 112 is configured to releasably engage the holster 130.

The holster 130 is a reversible and is configured to retain the firearm 10 in either a left-handed orientation as illustrated in FIG. 2, or a right-handed orientation as illustrated in FIG. 1. The reversible holster 130 is removably attachable to the interior bar 104 of the door attachment component 102. As illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, the reversible holster 130 is generally rectangular in shape and comprises an interior surface 134 and an exterior surface 142. The reversible holster 130 is typically manufactured from a heavy cloth or flexible plastic or synthetic material.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 10, the reversible holster 130 is foldable along a midline 140 in the interior surface 134 to form a pocket 148 for retaining the firearm 10. Once folded, the reversible holster 130 may be at least partially enclosed by a closure element 138 positioned along at least a portion of a perimeter 132 of the interior surface 134. The closure element 138 may be a zipper, snaps, buttons, a hook and loop fastening system, or the like. The closure element 138 may be open at a muzzle end 150 and a handle end 152 of the reversible holster 130. The reversible holster 130 may further comprise an inside pocket 136 attached to the inside surface 134 as illustrated in FIG. 9. The reversible holster 130 may further comprise an exterior pocket 144 attached to the exterior surface 142 as illustrated in FIG. 11. Both the interior and exterior pockets 136 and 144 may be configured to retaining an extra clip of ammunition.

The reversible holster 130 further comprises a pair of attachment elements 146. The pair of attachment elements 146 are attached to the exterior surface 142, one on each side of the pocket 148 so that there is an attachment element 146 on both sides of the reversible holster 130. Each of the pair of attachment elements 146 are configured to mate with the attachment element 112 of the door attachment component 102. When the firearm 10 is positioned within the pocket 148 of the reversible holster 130, the corresponding one of the pair of attachment elements 146 engages the attachment element 112 of the door attachment component 102 so that the firearm 10 is secured to the door 20 in either the left-handed or the right-handed orientation as desired. The pair of attachment elements 146 may be a hook and loop fastener, such as a strip of Velcro® extending along at least a portion of its length. The pair of attachment elements 146 may alternatively be magnetic. The pair of attachment elements 146 are configured to releasably engage the attachment element 112 of the interior bar 104 of the door attachment component 102.

The door mounting apparatus 100 further comprises a quick release component 154. The quick release component 154 comprises a strap 156 and a pair of connecting elements 158. Once the firearm 10 is in place within the pocket 148 of the reversible holster 130, each of the pair of connecting elements158 engage the handle end 152 of the reversible holster 130 to retain the firearm 10 in a hanging position. When the firearm 10 is needed, one of the pair of connecting elements 158 is disengaged, releasing the firearm 10 to the user while the reversible holster 130 remains attached to the door attachment component 102 via the attachment element 112 attached to the corresponding one of the pair of attachment elements 146.

It is contemplated that the door mounting apparatus 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention will be tailored and adjusted by those of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate various levels of performance demand imparted during actual use. Accordingly, while this invention has been described by reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be understood that this invention is capable of further modifications. This application is, therefore, intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following the general principles thereof, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and fall within the limits of the appended claims.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A door mounting apparatus for retaining a firearm comprising: a door attachment component; and a holster removably attachable to the door attachment component; and wherein the holster is configured to hold the firearm in both a left-handed orientation and a right-handed orientation.
 2. The door mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the door attachment component comprises a hook component for engaging a top of a door.
 3. The door mounting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hook component comprises a hook protective element positional against an outside surface of the door.
 4. The door mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the door attachment component comprises an interior bar.
 5. The door mounting apparatus of claim 4, wherein the interior bar comprises an interior bar protective element positional against an inside surface of a door.
 6. The door mounting apparatus of claim 4, wherein the interior bar comprises an attachment element for engaging the holster.
 7. The door mounting apparatus of claim 6, wherein the attachment element is a hook and loop fastener.
 8. The door mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the holster comprises a pair of attachment elements for engaging the door attachment component.
 9. The door mounting apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pair of attachment elements are hook and loop fasteners.
 10. A door mounting apparatus for retaining a firearm comprising: a door attachment component configured to engage a top of a door; and a reversible holster removably attachable to an interior bar of the door attachment component; and wherein the holster is configured to hold the firearm in both a left-handed orientation and a right-handed orientation.
 11. The door mounting apparatus of claim 10, wherein the reversible holster is foldable along a midline to form a pocket for retaining the firearm.
 12. The door mounting apparatus of claim 10, wherein the reversible holster comprises an inside pocket attached to an interior surface of the reversible holster.
 13. The door mounting apparatus of claim 10, wherein the reversible holster comprises an exterior pocket attached to an exterior surface of the reversible holster.
 14. The door mounting apparatus of claim 10, wherein the reversible holder comprises a closure element positioned along at least a portion of a perimeter of an interior surface of the reversible holster.
 15. The door mounting apparatus of claim 10, wherein the reversible holster is removably attachable to the door attachment component via a pair of attachment elements positioned on both sides of an exterior surface of the reversible holster.
 16. The door mounting apparatus of claim 15, wherein the door attachment component comprises an attachment element configured to engage either of the pair of attachment elements of the reversible holster.
 17. The door mounting apparatus of claim 15, wherein the pair or attachment elements are magnetic.
 18. A door mounting apparatus for mounting a firearm to a door comprising; a door attachment component; a reversible holster removably attachable to the door attachment component; and a quick release component for releasably securing the firearm within the reversible holster; and wherein the holster is configured to hold the firearm in both a left-handed orientation and a right-handed orientation.
 19. The door mounting apparatus of claim 18, wherein the quick release component comprises a strap.
 20. The door mounting apparatus of claim 18, wherein the quick release component is releasably attachable to a handle end of the reversible holster. 